Walking in Grace, Stepping Out in Faith

Week 3 Day 1

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Choose how you will dine with your Lord today:

Read Philippians Chapter 3 (Fast Food)

Read Philippians Chapter 3 (Home Cooking)

Read Philippians Chapters 1-4 (Fine Dining)

As you read, again make note of any keywords or reflections as the Lord speaks to your heart.

Change of Heart-Philippians Chapter 3:1-6

What final thought does Paul conclude his letter to his friends with? (3:1)

How does Paul view his responsibility to write to them? (3:1)

How is Paul’s letter a protection for them? (3:1)

What three kinds of people does Paul tell the Philippians to watch out for? (3:2)

Why does he tell them to watch out for these people? (3:3a)

Study the chart below and notice the difference between those who are in Christ and those who are not.

Watch out for

Who we are in Christ

Dogs (those who are unclean, those outside the people of God

Circumcised

Evil workers

Serve by the Spirit of God

Mutilate the flesh (preform circumcision in order to boast in the work and not in Christ)

Boast in Christ Jesus, not putting confidence in the flesh

Paul is strongly laying the foundation to make a defense against any action a person does to make himself right before God as null and void. After giving this warning to the Philippians he uses himself as the prime example of what not to do.

What was Paul’s initial response before he knew Christ regarding boasting in his works? (3:4)

What previous works by Paul allow him to be able to speak out against having confidence in the flesh? (3:4-6)

1) Circumcised the eighth day

2) From the nation of Israel

3) Tribe of Benjamin

4) A Hebrew of Hebrews

5) Regarding the law, a Pharisee

6) Regarding zeal, persecuting the church

7) Regarding righteousness that is in the law, blameless

Personal Reflections

We must pause here today to reflect on our own personal boasting. Before proceeding, one must acknowledge what they put their faith in. Proverbs 19:2 states: “Even zeal is not good without knowledge.” Paul throughout Philippians encourages and says he seeks after knowing God. Take a moment to ask God to change your heart to one that hungers and thirsts to Know Him More. You might consider listening to the following sermon on How to BE hungry and thirsty for Christ as you reflect. Click on Turned Upside Down-Seeing Straight Pt3.